Breast cancer

This week we celebrate World Breast Cancer Day. This disease, which particularly affects women, is unfortunately very present in our society. In our favour, however, we have to say that the prognosis is getting better and better in general, mainly due to early diagnosis and the therapies applied.

This is how we met Paz Martín. Ten years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo two operations as a consequence of this disease, the second one specifically targeting the axillary nodes.

Following this episode and on the recommendation of her doctor, she came to us and since then she has often reminded us of how much the Pilates method has meant to her recovery.

“Through a friend I got to know Élite Pilates and its great team of professionals and I started my recovery, slowly, without forcing, recovering agility and power in my arm, to such an extent that, 10 years later, I have more strength and mobility in the operated arm than in the other one”.”

The involvement of the arm or upper limb is secondary in most cases. We can find from mobility limitations, stiffness or sensory alterations, to lymphoedema, where there is an obstruction of the lymphatic system due to the removal or damage to the axillary nodes.

“Thanks to the practice of Romana's Pilates method I have not suffered from lymphoedema and you could say that my arm is absolutely normal”.”

Because, as Paz tells us, physiotherapy and physical exercise are two key elements that help to avoid the prevalence of all these side effects and to achieve a better and faster recovery.

On the one hand, physiotherapy treatment is essential in the case of inflammation or oedema, where we apply manual lymphatic drainage. We also perform different manual techniques focused on improving tissue flexibility and mobility, especially in the shoulder joint, as well as preventing fibrosis in the scars resulting from surgical treatment.

On the other hand, it is equally important to do active work to strengthen the muscles and give them elasticity, so as to help restore the normal movement of the arm and avoid possible sequelae.

Oncologists recommend aerobic exercise, but insist that it is also essential to do more specific exercises that help to strengthen the muscles, which is why they often recommend the practice of disciplines such as the Pilates method.

“When a person goes through this process, in addition to the support of family and friends, they need to put themselves in the hands of professionals to minimise the physical impact of the disease. Professionals like the physiotherapists at Elite Pilates, trained in the Romana Pilates method, who combine this practice with physiotherapy”.”

In Paz's case, the combination of both techniques resulted in a recovery in a relatively short period of time and without sequelae. Several years have passed since her recovery until today, but she still comes to our centre every week because she considers it essential to continue exercising in order to keep in the best physical condition and to help prevent different problems that may arise from having suffered from this disease.

“The privacy of the sessions, the adaptation to your needs, the absolutely personalised attention, help for a quick recovery without after-effects”.”

We must not forget that each person is different and that as a consequence of the cancer itself and depending on the treatment received, multiple problems may appear, such as muscle and joint pain, weight gain or loss, increased risk of osteoporosis and a long etcetera. Therefore, maintaining optimal health conditions will be of vital importance, but each person must also receive appropriate and personalised treatment, taking into account their needs.

Prevention is the best course of action

We do not want to end without reminding you that, as always, prevention is of vital importance. Therefore, all actions aimed at maintaining healthy habits in terms of diet, exercise and rest, as well as regular check-ups, will always be essential to minimise the risks and minimise the impact that any disease may have on our body.